I have studied the problem of inequality for a long time. A major factor in its persistence by race and gender is harmful and limiting stereotypes. I know this from my own experience as a woman, and I know this, too, from the experiences of friends and family members of color. I began this project, "Speaking Up," with students of color with two purposes: To provide a portrait of these young people that reflects who they really are beyond the stereotypes, and to give them a chance to speak up about their experience of being in a dominantly white community and institution.

Each subject is first shown photographed from the back. This is to help viewers develop an awareness of any prejudgements they might make of folks with similar physical attributes. Without facial signals, in assessing people, we are only left with our own stereotypes.

During our very long sessions, these students - Shelby, Nadira, Paulina, Jerry, Richard, Tasha, Tiesha, and Julian - talked to me of their lives. If I have been successful, these photos will give you a sense of their true humanity beyond the negative racial/ethnic stereotypes they must live with every day. In each case, after our photo session, I sat down with these young people to record their thoughts and experiences. This was, they told me, the part of the project they were most excited about.